Sleeping Giant State Park, Connecticut

The profile of a slumbering giant rests across the way from Quinnipiac University, climb atop it if you dare! The tower trail within Sleeping Giant State Park [200 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT 06518] is short enough to all skill levels to tackle, but there are some steeper sections on the way to the top of this 739 foot mountain to make this hike a fun challenge.

Also referred to as Mt. Carmel, you’ll pass by fields of fallen basalt rock on your way to the top.

At the summit there is a four-story stone lookout tower. Climb up and you can see for miles out into the Long Islands Sound and over New Haven.

If you have a map handy, consider making a loop out of the hike. Not far from the tower there are more incredible views.

You’ll ditch the big crowds this way, and you never know what you might find in the backwoods.

Good to know:

+The park is very popular, best to come early

+Parking fee in the lot weekends/holidays Memorial Day through the end of October, street parking is free on Mt. Carmel Ave